Hi! I have been on effexor for the past six years. My son was injured in a diving accident and is Quadraplegic. I've had a hard time coping. It does not get better with time. I decided to go off Effexor because that along with Metformin were keeping me running to the bathroom constantly. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes about a year ago, after gaining some wight due to the Effexor. I am now on Wellbutrin- still having side effects from Effexor withdrawal-it's been about 2-3 weeks. And I've switched from Metformin to Avandia8. My question is if there is any way the Effexor could have cause my diabtes. There is no diabetes in my family, and I actually had Hypoglycemia since childhood, and still have episodes of that occasionally. I am 50 years old- was in pretty good shape before all of this happened. Now I just feel unwell all the time. I'm wondering if going off of the effexor may help with my blood sugar. :?: Thanks.

Hi SadMama,
I am unaware of any documentation linking Diabetes with Effexor. This however, should not imply that a link does not exist. You may want to discuss the possibility of this with your physician. If your blood sugar levels would return to normal then I would definitely consider a link. Many factors play a role in Diabetes. Obesity/ being overweight, lack of exercise, insulin resistence, the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to work effectively, etc. Keep in mind that It is possible that the Diabetes existed and was previously undiagnosed.
Sincerely,
Rntdj

Keep in mind that this does not prove that Effexor definitely caused the diabetes. The weight gain while on the Effexor may have contributed and SSRI's in general affect the body's regulatory functions in more ways than just emotion. Coming off of Effexor may or may not help the diagnosis, but whatever you do, keep in close, regular contact with your physician to keep an eye on the coinciding factors of the Effexor withdrawal and your blood sugar levels.

I developed Diabetes during a 6-month period while taking Effexor. I am 6 feet tall, 170 lbs., and have always been extremely active. I eat well and have normal blood pressure and cholesterol readings, and prior to taking the Effexor my fasting glucose was usually around 70. Stopping the Effexor has not lowered my readings, however, so I'm not sure what to think about the possible connection. I am aware that the anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa has been linked to Diabetes and Pancreatitis, so I don't think the possibility should be dismissed.